Wednesday 9 May 2012

My Bucket List

I'm an organized person who highly enjoys lists. So, naturally, I cram all my life goals and aspirations into a neatly compacted list that I can reference whenever I want. 

Hey, what can I say, I want the most out of life. 

Without further adieu, here are the many things I desire to do before my heart stops beating: (that sounds a little grim, let me try again)

Without further adieu, here are the many things I want to accomplish during the beautiful state of consciousness that is "life": 

1. Throw Tomatoes At La Tomatina 


What? La Tomatina is a festival in Spain where thousands of tomatoes are whopped around everywhere and at everyone for a long, fun hour of bright red joy!
Why? It is very rare that one finds a moment of complete human unison where everyone lets go of their inhibitions and flings around some vegetables just for the hell of it. I want to experience this awesome human odyssey. It's a free for all food fight that 

2. Eat at One of the World's Best Restaurants 


What? The dapper looking man above is Rene Redzepi, the head chef of Copenhagen's Noma Restaurant, voted multiple times as the world's best restaurant. It's a wonderland of Scandinavian cuisine. 
Why? Good food makes me happy. And tasting the best of the best would be a legendary experience. Nothing's more classy than saying you stopped by Denmark for some of the world's best kåldolmar!

3. Set Foot on all 7 Continents 


What? Antartica/The Arctic, Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania, South America, and North America. From icebergs to deserts, from mountains to volcanoes and so much more! 
Why? Our world is a huge, and amazing place. I am such a small part of it. I am confined to a minuscule little slice of the earth. The mystery of the unknown is alluring, and I am determined to make the most of my worldly existence. 

4. Go horseback riding in Swan Valley, Montana

Horseback riding through Swan Valley

What? Unadultered, beautiful countryside that begs to be trotted about by a horse and rider, a true feast for the eyes
Why? This type of landscape is unfamiliar to me, due to where I live (in a city). It would be so peaceful and gorgeous to look at snow-capped mountains and magnificent lakes. 

5. Hold an Event in the Sky 

Eating dinner in the sky

What? Nope, your eyes are not deceiving you. It really is possible to hold an event (of whatever you choose) suspended in mid-air. eventsinthesky.com
Why? Doing things that scare you are great for your health. It would certainly terrify and delight me to do such ordinary things in such an extraordinary location. That's right mom and dad, get your seatbelts on, and meet me in the air for my graduation dinner! 

6. Vacation in Igloo Village 


Igloo Village in Kakslauttanen, Finland

What? Just what the title says, a village of frickin igloos! How cozy/awesome? This delightfully anachronistic place is in Kakslauttanen, Finland. But don't worry, we aren't going back to the age of the caveman. They're heated (eeeee:D) with beds, restrooms, and kitchens. 
Why? I'm a sucker for cozy cabin-in-the-woods type vacations. This would be eons better than a stuffy hotel and I would love to go to Finland, just...because! It's Finland, guys!! 

7. Cross a Country On a Bicycle 

Cycling near mountains

What? Hop on a bike, gear up, and cycle your way across an entire country (one with manageable terrain and a small size, preferably. That means no to Alaska, sorry people.) 
Why? Just for the pure sense of accomplishment you would feel would be worth the journey. Also, it would be very low-cost, you'll get your legs toned up, and the sights would be incredible! I would pick somewhere in the UK, like England or Scotland. Hello Stonehedge!!! 

8. Learn to Speak Another Language Fluently 

Language study workbook

What? I would probably go for Spanish, as it's what I'm learning at the moment.
Why? I'm a social person, and linguistics interest me, as well as travel, so what better way to tap into this than learn another language?! Not only that, but it would open a whole slew of doors to me, employment-wise, travel-wise....

9. Bathe in the Ganges Rivers During the Purna Kumbh Mela 

Ritual bathing in the Ganges

What? Purna Kumbh Mela is a 45-day holy pilgrimage that takes place every 12 years. The festivities take place in different cities depending on the position of the moon, or something like that. Basically, you go bathe in the holy water among locals! 
Why? I wonder what the feeling of being cleansed by "pure" and "holy" water would feel like? I would consider myself agnostic, so this would be an eye-opening experience and would build on my knowledge. 

10. Drive the Great Ocean Road 

Car driving on the Great Ocean Road

What? This winding, breathtaking road is located in Australia and is home to a walking trail with exotic wildlife, and other wonders. 
Why? Well, firstly, the fact that it was constructed by soldiers as a gargantuan memorial to the casualties of World War 1 appeals to the history buff in me. Secondly, taking those smooth turns in a sweet Ferrari Enzo (let's assume I'm a millionaire) while casually glancing at the azure, rippling tide of the Indian (or maybe it's Pacific? Not sure, terrible at geography) ocean would be luxurious to say the least. 

11. Drink Beer at Oktoberfest 


What? A 16 day beer-laden festival with thousands upon thousands of drunk partying Germans and hearty food to fill your stomach with! 
Why? I'll admit I have a sweet spot for some Reiberdatschi and Marzenbier, but how much fun would a huge drunken festival of foreigners be?! Maybe dangerous, but who cares when you're drunk with a stomach full of Wurstl?! 

12. Float Around the Dead Sea 

Man reading book while floating in Dead Sea

What? It's a salt lake that borders Jordan in Israel. It's known as a mecca for health research and treatment. 
Why? The scenery is gorgeous, I would finally be able to float in water (a long time challenge for me hehehe), and who knows? Maybe some of my ailments could be cured. 

12. Watch the Sunset from Oia, Santorini, Greece

Sunset in Oia, Santorini, Greece

What? Do I even need to explain?! Look at that ^^ It's beautiful beyond words!! A gem of nature. 
Why? See above. My eyes would die of happiness! 

I'll leave it at that. I have many more bucket list items, but I wouldn't want to bore you! 

Life is fleeting, so do what you want when you can! 

What are some of your bucket list items? 

-Mesonoxxian xxoo